“This proposal will help municipal jails across the state recoup the costs of housing inmates,” said Jones, R-Grand Ledge, chair of the Senate Judiciary Committee. “As a former sheriff, I know how expensive it is to jail inmates. I’m glad to see this money-saving measure advance toward becoming law.”

Under current law, county jails can force inmates to reimburse them for costs associated with their stay, while a municipal jail or lock-up (a 1-3 day facility) cannot.

“This is an issue of fairness,” Jones said. “If inmates are going to use taxpayer resources, they should have to pay for them. I urge my colleagues in the House to vote ‘yes’ on this bill and send it to the governor.”

SB 393 will now go before the House of Representatives for further consideration.